Two THCA community mobilisers show that age is not a barrier to education

Deon Martin started as a community mobiliser with TB/HIV Care Association (THCA) in 2015 and is currently a driver for the False Bay and Dunoon medical male circumcision (MMC) teams.

Deon left school in grade 11, but says he was partly inspired to study for his matric when he started working for THCA and saw the potential for his future growth. At the age of 47, after attending night school, he completed six subjects in six months and graduated with his matric in August this year.

Deon said that when he received his results he was overwhelmed. This achievement has spurred him on to further his education and next year Deon plans to study for a degree in social science. He feels that a degree in social science, coupled with the experience that he has gained working at THCA will equip him with skills that he can apply to both his life and out in the field.

Deon describes himself as a community person who is driven and motivated. He loves his job and people in general and is passionate about helping those that are disadvantaged.

Anthea Scullard started working for THCA in 2015 and is currently a community mobiliser for the False Bay MMC team. When her husband passed away she was forced to return to the workplace.

Anthea soon realised that in order to progress she needed to empower herself and decided at the age of 53 to study for her matric. Once the decision was made she wasted no time in enrolling for six subjects at Westridge High School and attending night classes. She also hosted a study support group in her home.

Anthea says that going back to school was not always easy, but with the help of God and the prayers of her family and friends she obtained her matric in June this year. Anthea also recently obtained 100% for her learner’s licence test and her next goal is to obtain her driver’s licence.

Anthea describes herself as a strong person who loves helping other people. She would love to move into the field of education by training and inspiring other adults to empower themselves and achieve success.

Both these colleagues epitomise one of the core values of THCA; empowerment. They serve as examples that it is never too late to set and achieve personal goals in life.

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